Brakes and Sysco join #FairKitchens movement

Brakes and Sysco Speciality Group have become the first wholesale partners to support the #FairKitchens movement in the UK.

The duo has joined the global cause to fight for a healthier and more sustainable hospitality industry, with wellbeing at the forefront of both businesses’ values.

The #FairKitchens movement was co-founded by Unilever Food Solutions in 2018 to improve the wellbeing of hospitality and foodservice workers, and now loads more than 20,000 community members.

As part of partnering with the movement, Brakes and Sysco will have access to resources and success stories to share with operators about improving work environments, with a focus on fair pay, treatment and working hours.

“I’m proud to be part of a terrific group of chefs within Sysco’s British businesses,” said Brakes’ Head of Food Development, Mark Irish.

“At the same time, as a chef by trade, I understand first-hand how challenging working in kitchens can be. As well as supporting our chefs, I am totally committed to working with #FairKitchens to spread the word as far and wide as I can.

“It’s so exciting to be part of something, which will not only help today’s chefs, but could improve the wellbeing of generations of kitchen staff to come.”

The work of #FairKitchens reflects Sysco’s global purpose of ‘connecting the world to share food and care for one another’ and Vice President HR, Kate Woodhouse, believes it’s the perfect union.

“We believe in acting today to protect tomorrow,” added Woodhouse. “Sysco aims to support every community it engages with and with kitchen staff a vital part of our and our customers’ businesses, joining forces with #FairKitchens was an obvious decision.

“Sharing #FairKitchens resources and insights with both our teams and our customers is part of our commitment to having a positive impact with our customers, in our communities and on society.

“As a business we are committed to integrity and mutual respect, as well as ensuring diverse, inclusive, authentic and honest voices are part of the conversation. Together with #FairKitchens, we hope to change the narrative of what it means to work in hospitality and write new stories for people across the world.”

Brakes Fair Kitchens Foodservice hospitality Sysco Unilever Food Solutions wellbeing